The New Murrey and Blue blog

When we think of Cambridge we’re inclined to think of its university, not its castle. But Cambridge did indeed have large castle, of which only the mound remains today. It was first built in 1068, so the Conqueror deemed Cambridge important enough to take care of very quickly after his invasion.

As you will read here, from which site the above reconstruction is taken: “….From Edward III onwards, little money was spent on maintaining the property and by the 15th century the castle was in ruins….The castle hall and chamber were roofless….and Henry VI ordered these buildings to be destroyed and the stone reused for constructing King’s College in 1441….”

Sadly, the site is no longer considered to be of any consequence whatsoever, as you can read here. This article describes the mound today as “…. a shocking sight, with rubbish strewn around and a very faded information board on which were just discernible the words ‘Welcome to Cambridge Castle’. It’s a sad situation for a little-known monument of such importance….” I agree. So come on Cambridge!

You can read more about Cambridge and its castle here and here (British History Online).

I apologise for the lack of sharpness and clarity in the above plan, but I’ve done my best. It isn’t clear on the British History Online site from which I took it.